The Heroes of the Common Good

O God, by whose grace thy people gain courage in the way of the heroes of faith: we lift our hearts in gratitude for all who have lived valiantly, and for all who have died bravely for truth, and liberty, and righteousness. Especially do we thank thee for the heroes of the common good, who suffered and made trial of bitter sacrifice in achieving the freedom of religious worship and the measure of social and political and economic liberty we enjoy in this good land.

God of our fathers, help us to prize very highly, and to guard very carefully, the gifts which their loyalty and devotion have passed on to us. Grant unto us the gift of a living and vigorous faith, that we may be like the heroes: that we may be true as they were true, that we may be loyal as they were loyal, and that we may serve our country and the cause of pure religion all the days of our lives; and grant that we with all those who depart hence in the faith of thy holy name, may wear at last the victor’s crown; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.